 Pupils, teachers and special guests had a royal day to remember when they saw the princess unveil an array of play equipment at Reynalds Cross School, Kineton Green Road, Olton. Those attending included representatives of key funding organisations Wooden Spoon, Lions Clubs International, Pertemps and the Solihull Foundation. The Mayor and Mayoress of Solihull, Councillor Gary Allport and wife Gail, also attended the event. An existing play area at the school had become unsuitable for use by the school’s 91 pupils, aged two to 19, who have a range of disabilities and learning difficulties. Teachers and parents launched a fundraising drive and asked pupils to design a new playground with their favourite rides and equipment. The play area was completely transformed with new features including a roundabout suitable for wheelchair users, a climbing frame, swings, an adventure trail and other new equipment. The project was made possible following donations of £20,000 from Wooden Spoon collected through a variety of fundraising events, £5,000 from Lions Club International and £7,000 from the Solihull Foundation.
 HRH The Princess Royal visited the school for children with special needs in her capacity as patron of Wooden Spoon. Spoon’s West Midlands Regional Chairman Phil Pemble and Head Teacher Jane Davenport escorted the princess throughout the visit. Head boy Russell Bakewell and head girl Katie Poulton, both 18, also meet the princess. Phil said: “We are very grateful to the princess for her attendance and making it a day to remember for those involved, in particular the children. The princess was very impressed by the magnificent efforts of all concerned, from pupils, parents and teachers, to all the local businesses and organisations that have provided support and funding for the project.”
He added: “It was the Shirley Lions that first brought the need for a new play area at the school to my attention. I was delighted to be able to donate £20,000 on behalf of Wooden Spoon to help turn the school’s vision into reality. I’m sure the play area will provide hundreds of children with opportunities to have fun and exercise in a safe environment for many years to come. This demonstrates how much can be achieved through working together, three charities have enabled construction of the playground in a relatively short time frame.”
Head teacher Jane Davenport said: “I was very impressed with the knowledge and attitude of HRH The Princess Royal. She took time with people and listened to what they had to say and it was a time to be extremely proud of our pupils. Many of the pupils were very excited that the Queen’s daughter was coming. The playground has been a dream and has given pupils opportunities to extend their choices at leisure times. The roundabout has given our pupils in wheelchairs an increased opportunity to be included with friends when playing. The bright colours and numbers mean we can play educational games, and being involved with the planning of the playground gave pupils great satisfaction. The teachers, parents and pupils are now very aware of the good work of Wooden Spoon. It has raised many smiles.”
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